Arrests at Blackpool Victoria Hospital: four nursing staff released by police

Kat Keogh

Posted 04 April 2019 - 14:08

In total, six nurses and a healthcare assistant have been questioned over mistreatment claims

In total, six nurses and a healthcare assistant have been questioned over mistreatment claims

Picture: Alamy

Three nurses and a healthcare assistant arrested in connection with allegations of mistreatment and neglect at Blackpool Victoria Hospital have been released pending further enquiries.

The staff – three women and one man – were arrested on 3 April on suspicion of administering a noxious substance with intent to injure, and of ill treatment or wilful neglect.

Allegations of mistreatment and neglect

Lancashire police were contacted by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in November 2018 after claims were made about mistreatment and neglect of patients on the stroke unit.

The total number of people arrested in the investigation now totals seven – a woman was arrested in November and a man and woman were arrested in December.

The three nurses arrested last year were also released pending further enquiries. They were suspended by the trust in November as part of safeguarding procedures. The four people arrested this week have been suspended since December.

A Lancashire police spokesperson said the force was continuing to work with the trust and the coroner.